Padel vs Pickleball: What’s the difference?
Both padel and pickleball are experiencing explosive growth in 2025, but they offer distinctly different playing experiences. Pickleball has reached approximately 36-38 million players in the United States alone, while padel is rapidly expanding with over 650 courts across 31 states and more than 100,000 active players.
Understanding the key differences between these fast-growing sports will help you choose which one best fits your playing style and preferences.
What’s Different About Pickleball and Padel?
Curious how padel compares to pickleball? Here’s a quick side-by-side to show what’s familiar, what’s new, and why it’s worth a try.
| Key Element | Pickleball | Padel |
|---|---|---|
| Court Size | 44 ft x 20 ft | 66 ft x 33 ft, enclosed with walls |
| Walls | No walls, open court | Enclosed with glass and mesh walls, playable off walls |
| Racket/Paddle | Solid paddle, no strings, smaller than padel racket | Solid, perforated racket with a shorter handle |
| Ball | Plastic with holes (wiffle-style) | Similar to tennis ball but lower pressure for less bounce |
| Scoring | Rally scoring to 11, win by 2 | Same as tennis (15, 30, 40, game) |
| Serve | Underhand serve, must be below waist | Underhand serve, must bounce before being hit |
| Gameplay Style | Fast-paced, emphasis on quick reflexes and net play | More strategic with rebounds, longer rallies, teamwork |
| Doubles vs. Singles | Played as both singles and doubles | Primarily played as doubles |
| Physical Demand | Less running, more quick steps and reaction | Less running than tennis but more movement than pickleball |
| Popularity | Exploding in the U.S., especially among all ages | Growing rapidly, especially in Europe & Latin America |
Court Size and Structure
The most striking difference between these sports lies in their court design and dimensions.
Padel courts measure 20 meters by 10 meters (66 feet by 33 feet), approximately the same size as a tennis court. The defining feature of padel is its glass walls and metal fencing that surround the playing area, which are integrated into gameplay and allow players to use walls strategically during rallies.
Pickleball courts are significantly smaller at 13.4 meters by 6.1 meters (44 feet by 20 feet), roughly the size of a badminton court. Unlike padel, pickleball courts have no walls, requiring players to focus entirely on shot placement and court positioning. The pickleball court features a distinctive 7-foot "non-volley zone" (commonly called the "kitchen") on each side of the net where players cannot hit volleys.
Equipment Differences
Rackets and Paddles
Padel rackets have a solid surface with no strings and must not exceed 45.5 cm in total length, with a maximum width of 26 cm and thickness of 38 mm. The striking surface contains perforated holes throughout, typically weighing between 340-390 grams and made from materials like carbon fiber, graphite, or fiberglass.
Pickleball paddles are thinner plastic rackets with rectangular-shaped heads, with dimensions up to 24 inches combined length and width, and no longer than 17 inches individually. Standard paddles range from 15-17 inches in length and 7-8.25 inches in width, with core thickness options of 12mm, 14mm, or 16mm depending on desired power and control.
Balls
Padel uses a depressurized tennis ball with less pressure than standard tennis balls, allowing for a lower bounce suitable for the enclosed court. Pickleball uses an entirely plastic perforated ball with 26-40 holes designed to minimize bounce height on the smaller court.
Rules and Gameplay
Serving
Both sports require underhand serves delivered diagonally into the opponent's service box. Padel players get two serve attempts per point, similar to tennis, and the ball must bounce once before being struck. Pickleball players receive only one serve attempt, with contact made below the waist and the ball landing past the non-volley zone.
Scoring Systems
Padel uses tennis-style scoring with 15, 30, 40, deuce, and advantage points played over sets, though some formats use a "golden point" at deuce. Pickleball games are typically played to 11 points with a win-by-2 requirement, and only the serving side can score points.
Playing Style
Padel traditionally is played only as doubles, creating a dynamic, high-energy experience where wall play extends rallies and requires tactical positioning. Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, offering a slower-paced, more strategic game focused on placement, soft "dink" shots, and finesse over power.
Learning Curve and Accessibility
Both sports are beginner-friendly with simple rules and forgiving learning curves. Pickleball may be slightly easier for newcomers due to its smaller court, simpler scoring system, and easier-to-master underhand serve. The sport's accessibility has contributed to its 311% growth over three years in the United States.
Padel offers a more continuous playing experience since balls remain in play even after bouncing off walls, while pickleball has more "stop-start" action with resets after each point. Light padel rackets (340-360g) provide better control for beginners, while heavier options (370-390g) suit advanced players seeking more power.
Growth and Market Trends
Pickleball continues its reign as the fastest-growing sport in America, with participation climbing from 19.8 million in 2024 to approximately 22.7 million by mid-2025, representing a 14.7% year-over-year increase. The United States now has more than 68,000 dedicated pickleball courts.
Padel is experiencing explosive growth both globally and in the US market. Player participation increased by 250% since 2022, and more than 70% of new sports facilities built in 2024 included padel courts. The global padel market was valued at $204 million in 2023 and is expected to reach nearly $493 million by 2032. The US Padel Association projects 30,000 courts and 10 million players by 2030.
Which Sport Should You Choose?
Choose padel if you enjoy fast-paced, continuous action with strategic wall play and prefer a game that closely resembles tennis. The sport appeals to players who want longer rallies and dynamic gameplay with a doubles focus.
Choose pickleball if you prefer a smaller court with emphasis on finesse, placement, and strategic "kitchen" play. The sport offers flexibility for both singles and doubles play and may be easier to learn initially, making it ideal for players of all ages seeking an accessible entry point into racquet sports.
Both sports offer excellent social opportunities, physical fitness benefits, and growing communities nationwide. Your choice ultimately depends on whether you prefer the wall-integrated dynamics of padel or the precision-focused gameplay of pickleball
